Biochemist - QC SpecialistJob DescriptionThe QC Specialist leads day-to-day quality control laboratory activities, serving as the primary technical resource for technicians and other specialists. This role performs routine release testing, drives method development and validation efforts, and supports technical transfers to ensure robust and compliant analytical practices. The QC Specialist acts as a subject matter expert on key laboratory equipment, leads quality events and investigations, and partners with leadership to optimize processes and uphold a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.Responsibilities
- Direct the daily workload of QC Technicians and other Specialists, ensuring that quality control policies, procedures, and standards are consistently followed.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for technical instruction, clarification, and troubleshooting for the QC team.
- Perform regular release testing to support product and material disposition in accordance with established methods and specifications.
- Lead and execute specialized development experiments, including method development, optimization, and improvement activities.
- Participate in and, when appropriate, own method validation activities to ensure analytical methods are robust, reliable, and compliant.
- Support and lead technical transfers of analytical methods, ensuring smooth implementation and proper documentation across laboratories or functions.
- Regularly lead and own quality events such as deviations, laboratory investigations, and change activities, ensuring timely, thorough, and well-documented resolutions.
- Review and approve documentation generated by QC Technicians and other Specialists, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with procedures.
- Audit inventory management practices in the laboratory to ensure reagents and materials are properly controlled, labeled, and stored.
- Ensure reagent and material qualifications are maintained, including monitoring expiration dates, qualification status, and usage.
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specialized laboratory equipment, providing guidance on proper use and troubleshooting.
- Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and calibration activities for critical laboratory instruments to ensure readiness and compliance.
- Ensure laboratory equipment and systems remain in a state of control and meet regulatory and internal quality expectations.
- Partner with the QC Leader to identify obsolete or inefficient processes and propose improvements to enhance laboratory systems and workflows.
- Anticipate potential problems in QC processes and proactively develop effective solutions to prevent issues and improve efficiency.
- Participate in internal and external audit activities, representing QC operations and providing accurate and timely information to auditors.
- Proactively prepare the laboratory space for inspections by identifying and addressing potential compliance gaps before audits occur.
- Promote and personify core values of integrity, respect, and excellence in all interactions and decisions within the QC function.
- Foster an environment of safety, compliance, and inclusion within the laboratory, encouraging collaboration and open communication.
- Provide training, coaching, and informal leadership to colleagues, helping to build technical capability and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Utilize laboratory software tools, including Empower software and other relevant systems, to document, analyze, and report QC data accurately.
- Maintain meticulous laboratory records and documentation, ensuring traceability and adherence to data integrity principles.
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional partners to share results, escalate issues, and support decision-making related to product quality.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience in a quality control or closely related analytical environment.
- Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field, or an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in Biology, Chemistry, or an associated science with at least 2+ years of relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience with HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) techniques in an analytical laboratory setting.
- Hands-on experience with ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) techniques, including execution and troubleshooting.
- Direct experience in analytical laboratory operations, including routine testing, documentation, and compliance with established procedures.
- Experience in leadership or training roles within a laboratory environment, including guiding or mentoring other team members.
- Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to generate clear, accurate, and compliant documentation and reports.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with and lead a diverse group of colleagues in a collaborative environment.
- Proficient computer literacy, including use of laboratory-related software and standard office applications.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail, with a proven track record of accuracy, thoroughness, and data integrity.
- Demonstrated ability to act as a leader of change, driving improvements and supporting process optimization in the laboratory.
- Experience using Empower software for chromatography data acquisition, processing, and reporting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience leading or owning deviations, laboratory investigations, and change activities in a regulated environment.
- Experience in method development, validation, and technical transfer for analytical assays.
- Experience acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specialized laboratory equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate potential issues in QC processes and implement proactive solutions.
- Experience preparing laboratories for internal or external audits and inspections.
- Proven ability to foster a culture of safety, compliance, integrity, respect, and excellence within a team environment.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a laboratory-based quality control environment on a day-shift schedule, Monday through Friday. Standard working hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to work alternative schedules such as 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as needed. The QC Specialist works as part of a collaborative team, alongside approximately 68 other professionals in similar roles, all in permanent positions. The laboratory uses advanced analytical technologies, including HPLC systems, ELISA platforms, and Empower software for chromatography data management. The environment emphasizes safety, compliance, and inclusion, with a strong focus on integrity, respect, and excellence in daily operations. Standard laboratory attire and appropriate personal protective equipment are required to ensure a safe and professional workspace. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Elwood, KS. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $31.25 - $40.86/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Elwood, KS. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elwood,KS.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.